Beltangady, Jan 11: The Catholic Bishops Conference of India had conducted Innovative National Parish Level Crib Contest 2018- ‘Away In Manger’. The selection panel ranked the top eight from the participating parishes based on the judging criteria-Theme, Originality, Materials Used, Creativity and Overall Presentation. The crib from Holy Cross Church Manjotti near Beltangady has won the second prize in the contest.

Based on this theme ‘Save nature protect humanity’, the crib was made up of 95% waste material. The houses around the manger are built using the broken tile pieces which are thrown out. The manger is made using the black stones in the cave structure. The small village near manger gives the vision of Bethlehem. The mountains are made using sack and mud with the support of dry bamboo. Only the cement is used for making the river structure. The palace is prepared by using the using mud and stone and waste bricks. The two houses are built by using the stone pieces in the model of Israel houses.

The stairs and ladders are made using bamboo and the houses on the hills are prepared by using the waste plastic sheets.

Holy Cross Church Manjotti, Beltangady is a new parish erected and inaugurated on May 18, 2018. It was a substation under the parish of Most Holy Redeemer Beltangady. The making of crib was inspired by the encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ by Pope Francis and also by Mangaluru bishop’s call t be more conscious towards the nature.

The crib was prepared by the members of I CYM on the direction of parish priest Fr Jason Monis.

“This is the proud moment for the Mangaluru diocese and our small parish Manjotti to win a prize in national level, competing with several contestants,” said Fr Jason Monis.

The first prize was won by St Francis Church of Uttar Pradesh- Agra Diocese, and third prize was won by St Pius X Church, Mumbai archdiocese.